Air show and French artists mark second day of Expo 2020 Dubai

From a parade of waders disguised as aliens to traditional kitchens in country lodges, the fun continued on day two of Expo 2020 Dubai.

The vast site of South Dubai came to life with the festivities of the first celebration of the National Day, where France put on a big show for visitors.

Students from French schools in the United Arab Emirates marched down Avenue des Nations, proudly waving their national flag.

A few minutes later, the sky above the site was painted in the French national colors – white, red and blue – by pilots from the Patrouille de France, the aerobatic unit of the Air Force and space.

France’s official Bastille Day is celebrated on July 14, but many of the 192 countries participating in the six-month extravaganza will be hosting their own day to show all of the culture, food and culture. technology.

A speech by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai and Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, spoke of the ties between the United Arab Emirates and France.

The French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian, was also present to celebrate the feast of his country during the “greatest spectacle in the world”.

“In 1889, the Eiffel Tower was the gateway to the Universal Exhibition held in Paris, becoming a lasting legacy symbol of French ingenuity,” said Cheikh Nahyan.

“As a founding member, France has had a remarkable history of international exhibitions, having hosted six world exhibitions over the years.

“In this regard, we are pleased to celebrate you and your legacy today as one of our most actively engaged participants. “

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, visited the French pavilion and met Mr. Le Drian.

He was accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Governor of Dubai.

The National Day festivities began with Monsieur Sigrid, hatter, who dressed visitors in original headgear in the colors of the French flag.

The Patrouille de France pilots flew over the Expo site, turning heads as they practiced aerobatics.

“It was a great show. The pilots did some really good stunts and we were very proud to see the colors of our national flag on the Expo site,” said visitor Adrienne Martin.

Stilt walkers disguised as extraterrestrials “invaded” the Quartier des Mobilités – the headquarters of the French pavilion – and delighted the children.

They are part of the performance show Les Cosmopodes, which involves “silver creatures” that land on Earth and come into contact with humans.

The evening attracted more visitors who enjoyed musical performances and light shows from around the world.

Persian musical artists drew visitors to the Iranian pavilion with traditional songs and instruments.

A crowd gathered around the Pakistan pavilion to watch folk dancers show off the culture of the South Asian country.

Reem Al Hashimy, Expo General Manager and Minister of State for International Cooperation, said visitors will have a “remarkable experience” at the event.

“It’s so exciting to see visitors come in and explore all the different pavilions,” she said.

The organization of the Universal Exhibition by the United Arab Emirates has been in preparation since 2013.

Since then, a dedicated site the size of 600 football pitches has been established in South Dubai.

“We opened our doors after eight years, nine years of work and a year behind schedule because of the pandemic,” said Ms. Al Hashimy.

“We continue to stay safe with our masks, requiring vaccination and negative PCRs, but overall this is remarkable.

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Updated: October 2, 2021, 5:48 PM